Wanted System
The reported GTA 6 wanted system: zone-based searches, witness descriptions, non-lethal two-star response, K-9 units, NOOSE, FIB and a six-star maximum.
- Status
- Reported — not confirmed by Rockstar
- Primary sources
- 2022 leak, trailer analysis
- Maximum wanted level
- Six stars (reported)
- Two-star response
- Tasers and rubber bullets (reported)
- Special units
- K-9, NOOSE, FIB (reported)
The wanted system described for GTA 6 is a ground-up rework of series police mechanics — and every detail of it is reported, not confirmed. The mechanics originate in the 2022 leak and subsequent trailer analysis, corroborated across outlets including Kotaku, Destructoid and WCCFTech. Rockstar has never officially detailed how police pursuit works.
The reported core change is zone-based response. Police respond within a defined search zone around the location of the crime rather than city-wide, and players can physically exit that zone to break pursuit. Inside the zone, officers reportedly track a suspect's last known activity: abandoning a vehicle causes police to lose the thread, while staying in a recognised car keeps them on it. The search zone itself is described as actively shrinking based on player movement and last known position, which makes standing still dangerous.
A witness layer feeds the system imperfect information. Instead of stars triggering automatically on contact, witnesses reportedly describe the suspect's vehicle colour, clothing and last known direction to police — meaning outfit and car choice matter to evasion in a way the series has not attempted before.
Reported escalation ladder
- Two stars: non-lethal response first — tasers and rubber bullets before any lethal force.
- Surrender: at lower wanted levels players can reportedly raise their hands to de-escalate rather than fight.
- Three stars: K-9 units that can track players hiding in tall grass, behind dumpsters or inside buildings.
- Higher levels: NOOSE tactical units with riot shields and tear gas; FIB negotiators respond if players take hostages.
- Six stars: a military and federal maximum, in line with series tradition.
The returning six-star ceiling also surfaced in separate leak reporting via Beebom. None of these mechanics has been verified by Rockstar, and they should be read alongside the equally reported NPC AI systems they connect to. The full sourced breakdown is in our NPC AI and wanted system explainer; see the 2022 leak and leak accuracy pages for how this material has held up over time.